Today, we conclude our journey through the life of Jesus of Nazareth as chronicled by the historian/physician Luke; and what an exciting conclusion it is!!! I can’t wait until we start our adventure through Luke’s sequel, the Book of Acts so we can get the rest of the story!!!

[Luke 24.36-53]

36 As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate before them. 44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Read John 20.19-25 to get more details on this miraculous event. Why were the disciples so frightened? Why did Jesus go out His way to show He had a physical body? What do you make of the phrase “while they still disbelieved for joy”?

+ Jesus says many things written about Him are in the Scriptures, or what we know as the Old Testament. What things can you name and report to somebody who asks? If you know some, do some research and learn some more!!!

+ What do you make of the phrase that Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures”? What does this tell you about the world and our call to evangelize? Recall a time in your faith journey where the Holy Spirit opened your mind to understand the Scriptures.

+ Read Matthew 1.21, Romans 3.10-23, Acts 4.10-12 and compare with Luke 24.46-47. From these verses, what was Jesus’ main mission in coming to earth? How would you explain this to someone?

+ The Apostles were eyewitnesses of these things and given special authority and mission. What kind of witness are you for Jesus?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Quoting my man R.C. Sproul, “We are not sinners because we sin. We sin because we are sinners”.

Every human who has ever lived has a sin problem. No one can fix this issue on their own. It is why God authored the plan of redemption and reconciliation through the sacrifice of His One and Only Begotten Son on our behalf. He confirmed His acceptance of this sacrifice by raising Jesus from the dead on the third day. Jesus’ original followers were eyewitnesses and were sent out to proclaim this news. We are also to be a witness, who, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is someone who has personal knowledge of something and makes a public affirmation by word and example. The old adage is everyone who follows Jesus is a witness. The only question is whether they are a good or a bad example!!! If your witnessing isn’t what it should be, seek forgiveness from the Ascended One and diligently work to become an expert witness!!!

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?